The hospitality industry is diverse and competitive, demanding unique experiences and brand differentiation. Interior design, aesthetics and functionality of Hotels, Bars and Restaurants play a large role in exceeding customer expectations.

Gerflor & Gradus are manufacturers of contract interior solutions, offering a complete range of floor and wall covering products to enhance hospitality spaces. This article explores ways of resolving common problems encountered in hospitality and provides inspiration on creating a safe, functional and visually stunning space.

Aesthetic Appeal

Creating visually stunning and unique interiors is essential for setting the tone and ambiance of a hotel, bar or restaurant. LED Lighting plays a crucial role in achieving this, and Gradus offers a range of mood lighting products that help set the tone of a space. By using LED Lighting creatively, ordinary spaces can be turned into extraordinary spaces that enhance guests’ experiences.

Floorcoverings also play an important role in creating the ideal interior design for hospitality spaces. Gerflor has 11 different types of floorcoverings including LVT, Carpet, Multi-layered Vinyl and Linoleum. With over 2,000 colours and designs ranging from realistic wood, mineral and concrete to organic and geometric, there is a wide selection to complement most aesthetics.

Noise Pollution

Noise Pollution is a significant concern in hospitality spaces. Selecting floorcoverings that have acoustic properties can help reduce noise pollution. Gradus Lunar Carpet Tiles provide a 25dB reduction in Impact Sound and feature an organic design that is inspired by the lunar landscape. With 75% recycled material in its backing, Lunar is a sustainable and durable product that is ideal for busy corridors or serene rooms.

Cleaning & Maintenance

In the fast-paced hospitality sector, efficient cleaning operations are crucial. Enhancing cleaning efficiency and minimising the need for extensive cleaning begins right at the entrance. By installing the right entrance matting, you can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and moisture brought into the premises. Additionally, choosing easy-to-maintain products, such as flooring with superior surface treatments, can streamline cleaning routines and lower operational costs related to water and energy consumption.

Brand Differentiation

In a crowded hospitality market, differentiating brands is vital. The aesthetic, colours, ambiance, and service all contribute to the customer experience. Customisable products like Gerflor’s MyFloor service or Gradus’ SureProtect Artworx offer opportunities to create a custom floor or wallcovering that reflects and reinforces the identity of a brand while providing practical benefits.

Inclusivity

Inclusivity is a vital consideration in modern hotel design to ensure accessibility is available for all guests. Gradus offers a range of XT Stair Edging profiles that combine safety with aesthetics. These stair edgings comply with guidance in the BS 8300-2:2018 or The Building Regulations: Approved Document M to help provide accessible buildings for everyone.

Colour and contrast play a crucial role in making buildings accessible to all users, especially those with visual impairments. A groundbreaking research initiative, Project Rainbow, conducted by Reading University in collaboration with the Royal National Institute of Blind People and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, has shed light on this important issue.

The study found that highlighting critical surfaces and special features significantly aids wayfinding for visually impaired individuals. By using Light Reflectance Values (LRVs), we can determine if there is adequate contrast on essential elements such as stair edgings, handrails, floor trims and between floor coverings. This ensures that these features are easily distinguishable, enhancing safety and accessibility for everyone.

Sustainability

Sustainability is more important now than ever before and within the hospitality industry, products that are cost-effective as well as environmentally friendly are a must. Gerflor and Gradus have committed to series of 2025 environmental promises that can be found in their CSR Reports.

Gerflor & Gradus present an extensive selection of modular and loose lay floorcovering and matting products designed with sustainability in mind. These innovative solutions incorporate recycled materials and are adhesive-free, promoting healthier environments. Their quick and easy installation process minimises downtime and reduces costs, making them an ideal choice for various settings.

Moreover, these products are designed for a circular lifecycle, as they can be recycled or reused at the end of their life, contributing to a more sustainable future. Choose Gerflor & Gradus for eco-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective flooring and accessories solutions.

Health & Safety

Ensuring the health & safety of guests and staff alike is paramount in the hospitality sector and reducing the risk of slips, trips and falls is a key aspect of this. According to the Health & Safety Executive, 90% of slip accidents in public buildings occur on wet floors. An effective barrier matting solution like Gradus Esplanade Primary Barrier Matting can reduce the amount of dirt and moisture that is tracked into a building by up to 90%, helping to reduce slip accidents.

Conclusion

Incorporating these considerations into hotel and hospitality projects can significantly enhance the overall guest experience, operational efficiency, and brand identity. By focusing on noise pollution, aesthetic appeal, inclusivity, sustainability, and health & safety, architects and interior designers can create spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and safe. Gerflor and Gradus can help achieve these goals through their complete floorcovering and wall solutions, ensuring hotel, restaurant and bar projects meet the highest standards of quality and guest satisfaction.

Download Gerflor & Gradus’ Hospitality Brochure here https://gradus.com/download/interactive-brochure-hospitality-sector or to make an appointment with Gerflor & Gradus’ Hospitality Specification Experts email contractuk@gerflor.com or imail@gradus.com